Category: Rihanna in pantyhose

Since the “bear” legs movement first reared its ugly head (and legs) during the mid-to-late 1990s, women throughout America have been trying to permanently “run” pantyhose out of town.

(If you’re new here and wonder about my use of the word, “bear” instead of bare, please see my explanation in the About Me section.)

But during all this time, the fashion accessory — once the staple of female professionalism, class, glamour, femininity and just plain good taste — has showed a remarkable resilience that would belie its otherwise delicate nature.

Launch an Internet search for pantyhose and you can see that not only are nylons still relevant today, but, in fact, they appear to be growing more and more popular every day. There must be thousands of websites devoted to women wearing pantyhose, and the men who love them.

And if you want to see celebrities from every corner of the planet wearing pantyhose, there are hundreds of websites, featuring millions of pictures devoted to that subject. In fact, it is more difficult to find a celebrity today who isn’t wearing pantyhose in at least a few pictures. Seeing this, one might actually think there never was a bear legs movement.

In this blog, my column, Credit “Wear” Credit is Due, has glorified many celebs who could be considered devoted pantyhose wearers. But here’s the thing: Each one I’ve praised has let me down one time or another, going bear-legged during appearances that I would have thought were the perfect venues for wearing pantyhose.

One exception is actress Jessica Alba (left), who never stopped being classy, elegant and professional enough to always wear sheer pantyhose even during the heyday of the bear legs movement.

Of course, there are some celebs, such as Sofia Vergara, Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, and Zooey Deschanel, who are consistent pantyhose wearers; and some who are very frequent wearers even just out-and-about (Paris Hilton comes to mind). Nevertheless, the vast majority of celebs, including most of the aforementioned, more often than not, appear bear-legged on late night talk shows and awards ceremonies.

Similarly, there are many veteran singers/dancers who almost always wear pantyhose on stage (Madonna, Cher, Beyonce’, Jennifer Lopez), just as there are many young, rising stars (Katy Perry, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande) whom we’ve come to expect to see in pantyhose during such events.

Trendsetter: Ariana Grande in her signature sheer suntan pantyhose and high heels greets young adoring fans before performing recently in New York City.

And among that group, I’ve observed that Ariana Grande is the most dedicated pantyhose-wearer. And, as she is only 20 years old, I could not be more impressed with her. And grateful to her.

And I love her for being a shining example for her legion of young fans in always dressing beautifully, including wearing sheer suntan pantyhose.

From this, we can conclude that these performers are professional (and maybe classy) enough to wear pantyhose on stage, realizing their legs look better under the lights.

First snag

So how in the world do some of these superstars show up to receive awards, such as during Sunday night’s American Music Awards (AMA) presentation, wearing gorgeous gowns and stilettos, yet, with bear legs?

I don’t get it. These stars mostly are consistent pantyhose wearers when performing concerts and often when making publicity appearances (Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Rihanna), then, on what should be the most special night of their careers — a night where they are recognized for their achievements among their peers, and before a national television audience — they almost to a woman, attend bear-legged.

Here’s what I don’t understand: They seem to recognize that this special night calls for the most expensive designer dresses, fabulous jewelry and amazing shoes. But pantyhose? Nah!

I present this as the first snag in the comeback of pantyhose because for all the steps forward we take when celebs wear during performances, it’s like a huge step backward when all of them gather on one stage at one time for such a significant event, and practically no one wears.

Incidentally, I didn’t watch the AMAs. Instead, I was watching Sunday Night Football and recording The Good Wife. So on commercials, I’d check in on the AMAs. I was happy for Taylor Swift, winning awards for Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, Favorite Country Female Artist, and Favorite Country Album.

Not too swift: Singer Taylor Swift showed a lot of “bear” leg during the 2013 American Music Awards Sunday in Los Angeles, Calif.

Taylor is one of the young stars who more often than not wears sheer nude pantyhose on stage, and frequently wears when she’s out-and-about.

I couldn’t wait to see what she’d wear during the AMAs. Then, I saw. Her dress wasn’t all that fancy, but it was nice. And it was super short. And I liked her high heel dress sandals.

But how could she not wear pantyhose with this outfit, for this event?

Similarly, Rihanna is extremely likely to wear pantyhose on stage with all kinds of outfits from elegant to exotic to what-the- what?

And, she’s frequently seen wearing pantyhose during public appearances.

Like Taylor, I fully expected to see Rihanna (Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist award) standing out from the herd (all disrespect fully intended) during the AMAs. However, she didn’t wear.

Beyond her years: Singer Ariana Grande was the most elegantly dressed artist at the American Music Awards.

Then, there was my new fave, Ariana Grande, who wore the most beautiful and elegant gown of any of them.

It was floor length, but when she climbed the steps up to the stage to accept the “New Artist of the Year” award, I noticed she indeed was wearing her trademark sheer suntan pantyhose.

I am so happy that Ariana won New Artist of the Year.

I also happened to check in on the AMAs in time to see Lady Gaga’s performance of “Do what you want with my body,” and that’s about all I want to say on that subject. Other than that I think that song and performance was just another example of the all-too-many-just-like-it songs/videos that glamorize a lack of values in society today.

The only reason I bring up the performance at all is because Lady Gaga did wear her signature nude fishnet pantyhose with her outfit. Since I’m complaining that almost no one did Sunday night, I have to point out that Lady Gaga did. Nuff said about her, though.

Flying high: Singer/actress Jennifer Lopez, who typically wear pantyhose on stage, stole the show during the AMAs with a high-energy Salsa performance.

What I loved was the performance I happened to catch by Jennifer Lopez. Now, J Lo knows how to put on a show, belting out some great vocals and high-energy salsa dance moves in three different outfits (all accessorized with suntan fishnet pantyhose).

Second snag

In addition to celebs opting for bear legs during awards shows and other venues, those dreaded so-called fashion experts still are waging war on pantyhose. Granted, we don’t hear as much from them today as we did during the late 1990s through most of the decade of 2000. But they’re still out there.

Of course, I never read fashion magazines or websites, and I couldn’t care less what their so-called experts think, but when I noticed last month a picture of one of my favorite actresses wearing a cute outfit, I clicked on it, only to be taken to an online fashion site, which I found was actually putting her down.

She is an extremely popular model and actress throughout the world. Her first English speaking role came in the movie, The Transporter, in which she co-starred (very delightfully) with English actor Jason Statham.

Qi (her given name, pronounced Chee) is adorable and extremely professional and classy, almost always appearing in pantyhose on stage and during publicity appearances.

But the online website RCFA (Red Carpet Fashion Awards) last month slammed Qi for wearing nude tights with her outfit during an appearance at a Jimmy Choo accessories store opening ceremony in Hong Kong.

The author of RCFA, Catherine Kallon, wrote:

The actress’ Jimmy Choo accessories included a crystal-accented ‘Charlize’ clutch and ‘Anouk’ pointy pumps as expected; however, the same can’t be said for her dress.

On this occasion, the usually conservative star wore a Calla Spring 2013 printed frock with a gauze sheer insert at the waist.

It’s a cute, fun, flirty look, but the dress doesn’t sit as well as it does on the model … I could’ve overlooked most of the flaws to give Shu a pass for stepping outside the box, but why oh why is she wearing nude tights? (Robin’s note: I added the bold to highlight my point.)

And what’s up with the Paris Hilton pose?”

Not even close: A model, left, and Taiwanese actress Shu Qi wear the same outfit, but Qi rocks it in sheer tights.

Wait a minute. Kallon thinks the outfit looks better on the model in the pic on the left? Really? Uh … I don’t think so. First, she looks like a refugee from a third world country. (Please … someone give that girl a cheeseburger.) How did she even get a job as a model? Second, I’d like to kick Kallon’s you know what. OK, OK, I’m not really like that, but …

I think Qi looked adorable in this outfit, and even though I’m not a fan of shiny tights (as my love is for sheer nude pantyhose), Qi absolutely rocked in them.

Legs, legs, legs: Shu Qi (front, center) most often can be seen in sheer nude pantyhose in movies, including ‘Gone with the bullets,’ an offbeat love story set in China.

Fortunately, Qi almost always can be seen in sheer nude pantyhose in the many movies she’s starred in, whether romantic comedies, action or dramas.

And, another thing: While Shu Qi typically does dress professionally, elegantly and beautifully, I wouldn’t call it “conservatively,” as Kallon does. Certainly, I love that Qi has the class and good taste to most-often wear sheer pantyhose, but if Kallon and her readers think the tights she wore at Jimmy Choo’s were an eyesore, they really haven’t seen anything.

Qi has been known to wear some pretty exotic-looking pantyhose and tights during publicity events, as you’ll see later in this post.

Besides, Kallon’s stupid remarks, her post generated 23 comments, one of which was:

The dress is too young, cutesy and girly for her and sits awkwardly on her to begin with, a very wrong choice for her, the nude tights are an eyesore and bring the look down completely.

OK, I really do want to kick Nat39’s a$$. Oh, and Nat, know what a run-on sentence is? You’ve got about three sentences all rolled into one there. Hey, good job with that. And, I think we all can tell what Nat’s gender preference is.

Worse, it seemed (I’m not sure because I stopped reading, as my blood pressure was starting to soar) that all 23 comments were in support of Kallon’s opinion.

Well, I can live with an idiot “fashion expert” dissing a lovely celebrity once, but recently, I stumbled across another post by Kallon (written last year) this time, putting down Megan Fox. Seriously, Megan Fox?

Kallon posted this pic of a model wearing an outfit she liked, and contrasted it with the same look on Megan Fox, disapproving because Megan wore it with pantyhose.

No comparison: Online fashion magazine editor thinks the bear-legged model on the left looks better in this outfit than Megan Fox, who had the class and elegance to wear it with pantyhose.

OK, you decide: Who looks better, the model or Megan?

Here’s what Kallon wrote:

Getting up for the 5am Golden Globe Awards nominations announcement this morning would’ve been easy for Megan Fox, considering she’s probably used to being up at that ungodly hour with her newborn.

… Megan also opted for a lady-like look. Clearly the new mum is putting her sassy days behind her.

She wore a beautiful floral Giambattista Valli Resort 2013 dress with an ivory top and moss-green skirt which she styled with nude platform Louboutins.

This is a great look for Megan. I couldn’t be more envious of her hair, but those nude fishnet tights are jarring.” (Note: Again, I added the bold to highlight my point.)

Much maligned: While Jennifer Hudson’s ensemble was questionable, at least, she had the class to wear it with sheer pantyhose.

In this case, The Fashionable Teacher didn’t like an outfit Jennifer Hudson (left) wore to a movie premiere in April of this year.

Here’s what mochababe73 wrote:

“Jennifer Hudson really stood out from the crowd.

“And, not in a good way. This Emmanuel Ungaro dress was really, really busy. The animal print and polka dots have no business being in the same dress, and it’s wrong on so many levels. The two prints together are just and assault to the eyes.

On top of that, the white cuffs, gold details, and visible bra just add to the carnage.

“Love the Saint Laurent shoes, but what’s with the pantyhose?” (Note: Well, you get it by now …)

Way of the bear: This must be the Jennifer Hudson look (above) that RCFA prefers. Actually, Hudson looks great in this photo, but those bear legs certainly would benefit from a pair of sheer pantyhose.

Well, for starters, they represent professionalism and class, mochababe73. And, like makeup, pantyhose greatly beautify the look of a woman’s legs, mochababe73.

Great, another “fashion expert” who knocks a celebrity for having the good sense and class to wear pantyhose with her outfit.

Actually, I don’t disagree with what the “fashion expert” said about the ensemble. That was a really strange-looking outfit. I disagree only with her nasty comment about the pantyhose Jennifer wore.

I decided to look for other photos of Jennifer Hudson wearing pantyhose. Unfortunately, I found only two.

Of course I don’t think that the negative comments of mochababe73 on her website influenced Jennifer to not wear pantyhose.

Nice shoes, but the “bear” feet and ankles hurt the look.How could anyone object to pantyhose with these shoes?

I do think it’s a shame that those who don’t have professionalism or class, use their forum as “fashion experts” to criticize celebs who do.

I suppose the pic of Jennifer (above, right) in the red dress with bear legs represents the look that mochababe73 finds more appropriate?

In any case, here is the author’s profile:

mochababe73

Houston, TX baby!

I am a wife and mother. I am a teacher. And, I am one wife, mother, and teacher who devours fashion. My fashion magazine collection is insane.

Hey, mochababe73, you’re a teacher? Shouldn’t you end that last part of your tagline (way up above at the start of the whole Jennifer Hudson bit) with a question mark, not a period? You have: Are you an A+ or a Fashion Fail. It should read: Are you an A+ or a Fashion Fail?

Unbelievable.

More ‘expert’ advice

Finally, it would amaze me if anyone really listens to these so-called fashion experts. I am always amused when I see an online post from a woman asking for advice about what she should or shouldn’t wear to a function.

A frequent question is “Can I wear pantyhose with open-toe dress shoes?” And all the “experts” jump on that one like vultures on road pizza. Naturally, they all attempt to talk women out of committing such a fashion no-no, and I always love how NO ONE ever follows their advice.

It remains one of the dumbest things these “fashion experts” wax on about.

Fortunately, no one’s listening.

Look at this picture of beautiful Chinese actress Cecilia Cheung (right). What could possibly be wrong with her wearing sheer pantyhose with these peep-toe heels? She has perfect toes that look all the more gorgeous under those deliciously sheer nylons.

Perhaps, there will always be a few snags that slightly delay the return of pantyhose to favor.

Still, it is so wonderful that we see cases every day in which celebrities and everyday women throughout the world choose the class, elegance and femininity that comes with wearing pantyhose.

Now, here are some of my favorite pics of Shu Qi wearing a wide variety of pantyhose and tights styles:

Well, it’s back! And tonight features the Week 1 opening of the 2013 NFL season on Sunday night, as the New York Giants are taking on the Dallas Cowboys right now at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

So, the good news is the NFL is back.

The bad news for me and fans of this blog is country music singer/songwriter Carrie Underwood made her debut as the new voice and face (OK, legs) of NBC’s Sunday Night Football theme song, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” to what was estimated to be 25 million viewers.

Or, wait, was that actually Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex and the City,” prancing on stage in those “bear” legs?

“Obviously, we wanted to make it sound like me,” Underwood said of her new version of the theme song that Faith Hill had performed the past six seasons, “but we definitely wanted to bring a fun edge to it.”

I do like Underwood’s sound better, but it would have been nice if she had given the performance a new look, too — a little class by wearing sheer pantyhose with those short-shorts. But like Hill before her, Underwood must think that the $30 billion business the NFL is (wiki.answers.com) calls for a casual look on stage.

Underwood wore dark blueish/blackish denim short-shorts, a dark blue tank top and dark blueish/blackish cowboy boots. And, unfortunately, bear legs. [Note: I use quote marks on only the first reference to bear legs — my way of making fun of today’s bare legs culture.]

I guess you can take the bumpkin out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the bumpkin.

Somewhere, Hill must be smiling.

I was afraid Underwood would disappoint in this manner, but I so hoped she wouldn’t. I don’t know anything about Underwood (I’ve never watched a single episode of American Idol), and I couldn’t name a song she’s ever written or sung.

In doing the research for this piece, one thing I did learn — something that stands out — is everyone makes a huge deal about her legs.

And being a country music singer, it makes sense that most of the photos I found were of her performing for country music audiences. So, not surprisingly, in the majority of the pictures, she is wearing denim shorts or dresses with cowboy boots and bear legs

But I did find some pictures of Underwood wearing a fancy dress with peep-toe stilettos and sheer fishnet pantyhose during — of all places — the 2009 CMA (Country Music Awards) show in Nashville, Tenn.

Carrie Underwood performs during the 2009 CMA presentations in Nashville, Tenn.Carrie Underwood performs during the Country Music Awards festival in 2010 in Nashville, Tenn. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

That made me think there was hope that she’d dress like this for SNF. But, then I found pics of her a year later wearing shorts, cowboy boots and bear legs during the 2010 CMA presentations.

That appears to be Underwood’s preferred look.

Now, don’t get me wrong. She looks good. I just don’t think the look is professional or classy enough for the intro theme to SNF.

In 2012, Sunday Night Football averaged 21 million viewers each week, according to Nielsen.

According to Wikipedia, American football is the most popular sport, and Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest annual sporting event held in the United States. In fact, the Super Bowl game is always among the highest-rated programs of all-time in Nielsen ratings.

Now, I’m wondering about the demographics of the national fan base of the NFL? What is the connection between the NFL and country music? In researching this question on the Internet, I couldn’t find that answer.

And what I could find about the average NFL viewer surprised me (only because the numbers are smaller than I anticipated): Men make up 62.8 percent, compared with women (37.2%), and the highest percentage of viewers by age is in the range of 35-44, which is 21.2 percent.

I don’t know. Apparently, the findings were in 2003 by Scarborough Research, so maybe the numbers are more impressive today.

I don’t think there’s ever been an official poll that measures the percentage of men in the world who say they prefer women in pantyhose over bear legs (I couldn’t find anything official), but my own poll that posed that question last year returned predictable numbers: Out of 485 total votes, 465 (96%) answered Yes.

So, here’s what perplexes me: If (we’ll be conservative here) more than half of the men in the world prefer women in pantyhose, and more than 50 percent of men watch the NFL, why would Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill before her perform the SNF intro theme bear-legged?

Conversely, most other professional singers perform on stage throughout the world’s largest venues wearing pantyhose.

To me, the answer is Underwood and Hill don’t have the professionalism or class that most other professional entertainers do.

Back in April, I wrote this post:

Who should NBC hire next to perform intro to SNF? in which I featured the professional singers I hoped would be considered to replace Hill. My first choice was Katy Perry, and most of you agreed, as supported by the poll I attached to that post:

One thing I knew was, had NBC selected Katy Perry to perform the SNF theme song, she would have dressed beautifully in a great dress or shorts/jump suit with high heels and sheer pantyhose.

And so would Beyonce’, Rihanna, Taylor Swift …

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during an NFL game.

I’ve written this before (and AKH just wrote this in his comment already) — NFL cheerleaders always wear pantyhose with their uniforms. Why? I mean it’s usually hot on the field, or raining, or cold, or snowing.

So why do the NFL cheerleaders wear pantyhose? Because it’s more professional than bear legs. It’s classy. It looks awesome on them.

And it’s the NFL. The NFL has always cared about its image. Never more than in recent years. So, if the cheerleaders have the professionalism and class to wear pantyhose as the integral part of their uniforms that they are, why would Underwood, and Hill before her, think their bear legs are appropriate in representing the NFL?

In the case of Carrie Underwood, well, all I can say is it’s a missed opportunity to build a professional and classy image.

“I been waitin’ all (these years) for Sunday Night (without Faith Hill’s “bear” legs).”
Yesterday, one of our devoted readers (and our most prolific commenter), Brian W., alerted me that country singer Faith Hill announced on Monday that she no longer will perform the lead-in to Sunday Night Football.

Well, here’s a song for ya: “Ding-dong, the witch is dead.”

If it sounds like I won’t be missing Faith’s SNF intro, you got that right. I hate missed opportunities, and Faith certainly passed up the chance to class up the joint with her skimpy outfits and those pasty white “bear” legs prancing around the stage, belting out that Joan Jett-like tune. Hate that song … mostly because once you hear it, you can’t get it out of your head, along with the image of those “bear” legs.

I so wanted Faith to bring a little elegance to the SNF intro, but she just wouldn’t do it.

Bare legs and these goofy-looking shoes did nothing to help Faith Hill’s image during her SNF lead-in shows.

Maybe she felt that because this was a sports venue, it called for a more casual look. Wrong! Hey, Faith, even professional sports cheerleaders (some college and even high school cheerleaders) wear pantyhose with their uniforms.

And, if those “bear” legs weren’t bad enough, I don’t know what Faith was thinking with that”prostitute look” (below left).

So, yes, I am glad Faith no longer will be doing the introduction number to Sunday Night Football.

Now, I’m wondering who NBC will draft next for that role.

While finally, once again, we’re seeing more and more Hollywood actresses wearing pantyhose during publicity and public appearances, professional singers/dancers today (Faith notwithstanding) always wear pantyhose on stage.

So, I see no shortage of female candidates who could easily step into the SNF intro role.

Beyonce’ can light up any stage, always showing off her legs in sheer pantyhose.

Here are my top few choices and why.

Beyonce’

Well liked and respected, Beyonce’ is always professional and classy. She’s a great singer/dancer/entertainer, and she is a devoted pantyhose wearer.

And, in addition to always wearing pantyhose on stage, she often wears for publicity events and guest appearances on talk shows.

Of course, Beyonce’ has done a Super Bowl halftime show, so she’s not exactly off the radar to NBC or the NFl.

She’s not controversial. I’d say, on the surface, she seems to be a natural fit.

[She … could … go … all the way!]

Always professional and classy enough to wear pantyhose during her performances onstage, Rihanna should be a candidate for the next SNF lead-in role.

Rihanna

Another good candidate who always wears pantyhose with her sexy but tasteful costumes on stage.

But, wait a minute. Doesn’t she have an idiot rapper boyfriend who has used her face for a punching bag? I doubt NBC and the NFL would want Rihanna to be the poster girl for SNF.

Too bad because she otherwise would be a good choice.

[Fumble]

Lady Gaga

OK, just kidding. She definitely is a devoted pantyhose wearer, but, well, too often she wears practically nothing but pantyhose. NBC probably would be frightened by her.

She writes some very compelling songs and appeals to audiences of all demographics.

Add to that a fantastic voice, great stage and screen presence, and very contemporary songwriting, and NBC would have a true winner.

Oh, and Katy Perry never goes anywhere not dressed beautifully. And she’s one of the most prolific pantyhose wearers among all professional entertainers.

I just love her, and I bet that NBC would, too.

[Touchdown, Katy!]

Taylor Swift

If NBC wanted to stay with a country/pop singer, Taylor might be a pretty swift choice. That girl can write some entertaining songs. She’s got a pleasant sound. She’s got a wholesome persona.

It could work.

[Long field goal]

Selena Gomez

Great voice. Wears lovely outfits, complete with pantyhose, on stage. But … uh, no. Cute, but probably too young. Probably not an NFL fan either. Anyway, she wouldn’t get my vote because too many times I’ve been disappointed in her for not wearing pantyhose with her beautiful outfits on late night talk shows.

[Tackled for loss]

Jennifer Lopez is an experienced entertainer who has a connection to the NFL.

Jennifer Lopez

Now, we’re talking. What a performer! She can sing. She can dance. She can definitely rock it. She knows how to dress on stage.

But is she an NFL kind of girl? Uh, yeah. She’s part owner of the Miami Dolphins.

In one of her movies (the one of her’s I like best), “Out of Sight,” she plays a U.S. Marshall pursuing a career bank robber (George Clooney).

The movie is set in Miami, and in one scene, J-Lo wears short-shorts and a Dan Marino jersey. But when she is on the job during a good portion of the movie, she’s wearing a skirt with sheer nude pantyhose and heels, and she looks great.

Sadly, I’ve seen her in a couple of TV commercials and print ads doing the “bear” legs thing. So, she gets a personal foul penalty (15 yards), but I’d still give her the nod to do the SNF intro.

[First down, J-lo]

Gloria Estefan

Another great candidate, the Cuban-American pop singer can belt out a song like no one, and she’s got all the right moves on the stage. But is she an NFL kind of gal? Uh, hello, another part owner of the Miami Dolphins, and a “diehard” fan since the Phins’ 1972/73 perfect season, she says.

Makes sense to me. Hey, NBC, if Gloria sings the SNF intro, I can tell you this: “The rhythym is Gonna Get You.”

[First and goal]

Christina Aguilera

Why not? She’s got the pipes and the dance moves. And she’s classy enough to wear pantyhose on stage.

[Extra point]

Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul

I have never seen Paula on stage not wearing pantyhose. She can sing and dance. She’d be a fine candidate.

[Makes the playoffs]

Madonna

I’m not kidding. OK, yes, I am.

Then again, she’d still be an upgrade over Faith Hill. At least Madonna has the sense to wear pantyhose on stage.

[Holding penalty]

Singer/actress Cher was known for her exotic costumes on stage, always with suntan or nude pantyhose.

Cher

Now I’m kidding, of course.

But if this were the 1990s, she’d likely be my first choice. She most definitely would be classy, exotic and entertaining.

Back in the days of “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” Cher was the entertainment bomb, and so were her on-stage costumes, such as this one (left) from 1978.

Before the likes of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper (both likely influenced by her), Cher was the girl who “just wanted to have fun.”

OK, so today Cher isn’t a candidate to perform the Sunday Night Football introduction, but it would be nice if when NBC considers the next star to take that stage, they choose someone who has the professionalism, glamour and exotic looks that Cher had.

[End of regulation]

OK, now it’s your turn. Who’d I leave out? Who would be your choice to perform the introduction number to Sunday Night Football, and why? Take the poll below to let me know.

Also, next up is a photo gallery I’ve made for you featuring some professional entertainers who probably should be considered. By the way, when you click to expand the pictures, you know you can comment on any one you like, right? Just saying …